* * * *
Elizabeth waved to Alf that it was all right to depart. She leaned against the door to Charlotte’s home in order to gather her thoughts before she faced the evening. The last place she needed to be was at the music hall with some unknown gentleman Charlotte and Walter had coerced like herself to attend. After she had indulged in the steamy bath she had earlier promised herself, Hannah had complimented her on how attractive she was in her royal blue gown with silver trim and shiny silver hair combs that sparkled in her auburn locks. She said the gentleman would be proud to be seen with her. It had been fun to dress for the affair, but because she knew nothing about the man she’d be with, she was apprehensive.
It was too late now, and she couldn’t disappoint Charlotte. She’d enjoy the music and make polite conversation. The gentleman would see that she returned safely home, and the evening would be done. Surely, she could cope with the man for a few hours? Hadn’t she endured more with her father’s abduction? Even with Adam’s awful brother, Christian? Adam was a liar and scoundrel. Christian was ... nothing except the man’s brother who doubted her truthfulness, she admitted. Still, he had no reason to find her dishonest—well, maybe for the one time she said his brother maintained a residence in Howth. Otherwise, she had told him as much as possible. Pompous buffoon. How bold he was to kiss her—to get so close to her that she could feel his breath on her cheek, feel his heart pound as hers did beneath her breast, feel his ... She fanned her warm cheeks with her hand. The night air helped to cool her. She should sound the knocker and go inside, but not yet.
She shifted her feet and held her muff close to her. Why had Christian not called on her? Every day, part of her worried that the authorities might show up on her doorstep. Another part of her rationalized that for whatever reason, Christian had decided to let it rest. Temporarily.
The little she knew about him suggested he had not quite done so altogether.
The one time she had gone to him, he wasn’t at home. She had considered calling on him again, or sending word with a request for him to come to her. Doubtful as to whether it was a good idea, she did nothing. After all, she couldn’t reveal to him how she was forced to partake in illegal activities to keep her father alive, and that Adam was behind it all. Christian would never believe it of Adam, and she’d risk jeopardizing her father.
Her thoughts turned to her father. Where was he? Was he well? Hannah had asked her just this afternoon how long she intended to wait for word about him. When would she determine she needed to get someone to investigate or get the authorities involved? Hannah had been afraid to upset her, but she felt it necessary to suggest that the lowlifes who had her father might never contact her again. Elizabeth didn’t have an answer, and unfortunately, she couldn’t tell the woman that at her last two meetings with Roderick, she had mentioned she wanted proof that her father was well. She would insist at their next meeting.
At last she sounded the lion-head knocker. Surely, it was somewhere between eight and quarter after.
Francie answered. “Good eve, Miss Elizabeth. Charlotte told me to tell ye to make yerself comfortable in the sitting room. She’ll be down shortly.” Francie took her wraps.
“Thank you.” Elizabeth walked around the staircase to the next open doorway and stopped in surprise before she drew back from view. A plain-faced heavy-set man sat totally upright and stiff at the end of the settee.
God in heaven. Charlotte had taken her seriously when she requested the type of gentleman she wanted for the night. No matter. He was probably quite nice, and so would she be. After all, gentleman callers didn’t flock to her doorstep these days.
It was hardly the proper behavior, she knew, but she gathered her composure and strode directly into the room. “Hello, I’m Elizabeth Corry.” She extended her hand and gave the man her brightest smile.
Her brusque entrance startled the man, for he jerked in his seat before he wobbled to his feet. He took her thin hand in his own chubby one, gave a gentle squeeze and released hers. “How do you do, Miss Corry?”
Though he answered, he did not offer his name. Instead, he studied the wall behind her, obviously shy and uncomfortable. Walter’s persuasive way no doubt had convinced him to join them this eve. Clearly, he was not at ease meeting her. She’d help him through it.
“Your name?”
“Thomas. Thomas Feeney,” he said, stumbling over his own name.
Poor man. He needed to relax. “Please. Sit down.”
He did so, and she joined him on the settee. After she adjusted the skirts of her gown, she rested her hand on his forearm. The man mistook her gesture of concern for one of boldness. His eyes grew wide with alarm. It was then that she thought perhaps he was worried because the two of them were alone in the room. She had to reassure him that she was as apprehensive about this situation as he. They should not fret, but simply exchange pleasantries. Charlotte would be along shortly.
“Mr. Feeney. We must try ...”
“What’s this?” Walter Bloomfield entered the room.
She and Mr. Feeney stood at once.
“Walter. We were getting acquainted,” Elizabeth said.
“That’s nice, indeed; however, I’m not so sure Mrs. Feeney would approve.” Walter winked at Thomas.
Before Elizabeth could fully digest the error she had made or apologize to the man, Charlotte entered the room, and at her elbow was Christian Traynor. Barely had she gotten over one shock when she faced another. All she managed to do was gape stupidly at him.
“Elizabeth, Mr. Feeney is my father’s solicitor.” Charlotte turned to the man. “I’m sorry to have kept you waiting. I couldn’t find the papers you requested. I will hunt for them again in the morn and bring them to you directly.”
“That will be fine,” Mr. Feeney said in a froggy voice. “I will see myself out. Enjoy your evening, Miss Corry. Bloomfield,” he shook Walter’s hand, and nodded to Charlotte and Christian as he passed them.
Elizabeth chanced a glance at Christian. Not only was his presence a surprise, but once again his excellent taste in men’s fashion, combined with his overall striking appearance—especially his amber-colored eyes—caused her pulse rate to increase.
“This is the gentleman we would like you to meet.” Charlotte walked over to where Elizabeth stood in front of the settee.
“Aye,” Walter agreed and waved for Christian to come closer. “I’d like you to meet Christian Corbett.” He winked at Elizabeth to play along.
Her stomach knotted. Why had Walter introduced Christian under a fictitious surname? She did not know, but for the moment she’d not mention it. Charlotte certainly had no clue anything was amiss.
“Christian, this is Elizabeth Corry,” Charlotte said.
“It is indeed a pleasure.” An easy smile appeared on his face as he took her hand and held it the proper amount of time.
So the man could be a gentleman.
It was a courteous gesture, nothing more, yet a flush washed over her. In a strange sort of way, she was excited by his arrival, but he would never know.
She flushed more when she noticed the three of them waited for some sort of response from her. “Perhaps you should reserve judgment as to whether our meeting is indeed a pleasure until the end of the evening.” Elizabeth raised her chin, intentionally challenging him. He would pay for the grief he had caused her. She would flirt, sinfully encourage him, and leave him to desire her. He would get nothing.
“In any case, I’m sure it will be a memorable evening,” Christian responded with an equally challenging twinkle in his eyes.
Elizabeth smiled in delight. He’d remember her.
“Aye.” Charlotte clapped her hands before her in enthusiasm. “The program this evening is entirely Handel, and it is sure to please.”
“We should be off,” Walter suggested. “That is, if you want to make the first set”
The four retrieved their outerwear and seconds later Elizabeth sat in Walter’s carriage with her hip and
leg pressed against Christian’s, facing Walter and Charlotte.
It was hard for Elizabeth to ignore the muscled feel of him next to her. She pretended to straighten her skirts and scooted over a more comfortable distance. No sooner had she done so than Christian adjusted his coat and resumed a position where his shoulder, hip, and leg touched her. She wondered if that action was deliberate. When she glanced at him and saw his sly smile, she knew it had been. The cad. She’d pretend otherwise.
“Did you get the shipment of spices you expected to when we last talked?” Christian asked Walter.
“Aye, but it wasn’t unloaded until the next day,” Walter answered.
Elizabeth glanced from Walter to Christian. The two apparently had become good friends of late.
“Tell them what happened.” Charlotte touched Walter’s arm affectionately. “ ‘Tis all quite bizarre.”
“Have either of you heard the latest story that has been rumored along the wharf?” Walter asked, yet didn’t wait for their reply. “I’m sure you’re aware of the sailor’s tale where if a red glow is spotted on the sea—’tis a bad omen and whoever sees it—’tis a sign that their death is imminent.”
“I’ve only recently heard of it,” Christian admitted “I’ve not met anyone who saw this red glow or knew anyone else who had.”
“Many feel it’s the imagination of superstitious minds, yet, my shipment was not immediately unloaded for this very reason. A seaman swore he saw way out beyond Dublin Bay over the horizon to the Irish Sea a red glow on the water. The sailor stared at it for several minutes before the red glow disappeared.” Walter cleared his throat and continued. “So upset was he, the entire crew raced to the wharf to calm him. He collapsed. I don’t know if he did so from exhaustion and recovered, or ...” Walter held both hands out and shrugged.
“Surely, it was a glow from a ship’s lantern light,” Elizabeth offered.
“Nay,” Walter said. “The crew tried to convince him of it. He said it was not from a lantern light that comes from a ship. He swore on his mother’s grave that it was ungodly and unnatural.”
Elizabeth remembered the man who had died at White’s Inn and shivered.
“Hm. Interesting,” Christian said. “I was returning from Howth late one eve and thought my eyes had deceived me when one moment I thought I saw something red over the sea in the distance and next, when I blinked it was gone.”
Elizabeth sensed Christian’s gaze on her, and that this little tidbit was more to remind her that he had gone to Howth and discovered she lied, rather than to share any ideas about a red glow.
‘Tis all too frightening, regardless,” Charlotte spoke out as she snuggled next to Walter. “Please, say no more.”
Thank you, Charlotte, Elizabeth silently agreed.
“Perhaps calligraphy is more in order,” Christian suggested.
Walter sputtered. “Don’t get them started.”
Elizabeth darted a curious glance at Christian’s smug countenance. Had Walter voluntarily told him that she and Charlotte enjoyed calligraphy, or had Christian been asking questions about her? He mustn’t get too inquisitive or find out she protected her father by counterfeiting.
“When you enjoy something as much as we do, ‘tis easy to do. Right, Elizabeth?” Charlotte said as the carriage came to a halt.
Elizabeth smiled and nodded.
“Is there nothing else you enjoy as much?” Christian asked.
Though Christian was directing his question to Charlotte, once again, Elizabeth could feel the heat of his gaze upon her. She also had a good idea what he was referring to—the incorrigible man.
“Why of course there is. I enjoy my Walter, and more,” Charlotte said and smiled at her fiancé.
Walter, being the gentleman that he was, ignored the double entendre. He obviously understood that Charlotte had not meant it as a reference to their coupling. Instead, he took Charlotte’s hand and affectionately patted it. “We’ve arrived. Time to go.”
From the corner of Elizabeth’s eye, she saw Christian blatantly stare at her.
“Walter is a fortunate person,” Christian told Charlotte.
“As am I,” Charlotte added and descended the carriage.
Christian leaned closer to Elizabeth and whispered, “It’s the and more I wonder about.”
“Mr. Traynor! It’s not polite to speak of such.” Elizabeth turned to face him. “You must know Charlotte did not mean ... she meant ...” Elizabeth stopped when she realized that Christian was attentively listening with feigned innocence.
“She meant what?” Christian goaded.
“I don’t care to discuss it.” She shoved off from the carriage seat to exit.
Strong hands grabbed her by the waist and returned her to her previous seat.
“What are you doing? Take your hands off me.”
He obliged her, but the warning in his eyes gave her pause.
“We have some unfinished business.”
“Can we talk later? Walter and Charlotte will be wondering.”
“In that case, let us give them something to wonder about.” He wrapped his arms around her and his mouth came down on hers. Her lips betrayed her silent words of protest and accepted the kiss as if it was his due. Her stomach fluttered in delight. Next instant, he released her and she slowly opened her eyes to find his dark and glowing gaze transfixed to hers. She should speak up. She should demand an apology for such behavior. Yet, she could not.
Seconds later, he inhaled deeply and in a controlled voice said, “You’ll not leave this eve until you’ve answered all my questions satisfactorily.”
Perhaps it was the fact that she could not tell what he thought of their kiss, or that he thought nothing of the kiss or that he stole it with no apology or concern for propriety that prompted her response.
“You’re wrong. I’ll tell Charlotte you’re Adam’s brother and Walter that you assaulted me. Furthermore, don’t try to kiss me again. I don’t like it.”
Christian laughed, “First of all, little liar, you wouldn’t want to embarrass your friend, Charlotte. Secondly, you wouldn’t want the attention from the scandal of an assault. Besides, a kiss is hardly an assault; however, if you’d like ...” His eyes took on a suggestive gleam.
She grabbed her muff and descended from the carriage.
This time he didn’t stop her, but followed close behind her. The evening was not going as she’d planned, but it wasn’t over yet.
Chapter Nine
“We raced inside because of the rain. I was getting worried about you. Walter and I thought you were behind us.” Charlotte rushed up to Elizabeth once she and Christian entered the lobby of the William Street Exhibition Hall. The blonde curls by her ears bobbed and her large blue eyes showed concern. “What kept you?” Charlotte cocked her head in a curious expression at Christian.
“The skirt of my gown caught on the step of the carriage and Mr. Traynor was helping me unhook it,” Elizabeth answered and lowered the rain-splotched hood of her cloak.
“Charlotte is a bit anxious,” Walter said. “The performance will be starting shortly.”
Christian helped Elizabeth with her cloak and handed it and her muff along with his wet overcoat to a valet who appeared and took them. With their programs they hurried to their seats, which proved to be in a not-so-excellent location. Though they were far enough from the orchestra to appreciate the music at a pleasant level of loudness, they were at an angle from the center and in the middle of the row.
She and Charlotte sat down between Christian and Walter. Barely had Charlotte seated herself when she whispered to Elizabeth, “I’m going to ask Walter to change seats with me. The man’s head in front of me blocks my view of the maestro.”
Elizabeth nodded. A few seconds later Walter sat at her side. He smiled, leaned towards her and quietly said, “Many thanks for keeping our secret about Christian being Adam’s brother. I fear that knowledge would have upset Charlotte, but not as much as if I had not invited som
e gentleman this eve. The man I originally planned to introduce you to became ill.”
Before he could say more, Charlotte peeked around Walter’s shoulder. “What is it? What are you two whispering about?”
Walter was obviously at a loss for words. Neither could Elizabeth think of a response. It was Christian who piped up, “Walter was discussing my finer attributes with Elizabeth.”
Finer attributes, indeed. The conceited ... Elizabeth bit back her tongue. Charlotte, however, took Christian seriously, and said, “I do hope Elizabeth approves.”
“Aye. Well.” Walter faced Charlotte and started to talk about the orchestra.
Elizabeth dared not glance at Christian. She knew he’d have a grin from ear to ear. She also soon realized he would be angled in her direction most of the evening. Consequently, she was ill at ease.
Fortunately, the lighting soon dimmed and the music began. The audience was mesmerized. Other than an occasional cough or clearing of the throat, no sounds from the crowd were heard. The music, andante at first, crescendoed into an allegro rendition that awed her. So engrossed was she with the music, she momentarily forgot Christian was at her side.
When the first set of music ceased and everyone stood for intermission, Walter excused himself and Charlotte. “I’ve spotted an old chum I haven’t seen since last year. We’ll return shortly.”
“Take your time,” Christian said. “Elizabeth and I will get to know each other better.”
“Oh, do,” Charlotte agreed. “I just know you two will mix wonderfully.”
Elizabeth smiled at her friend until she left. She glanced up at Christian.
“Shall we call a truce and enjoy the evening,” he suggested. “I won’t question you until the evening is over and Charlotte and Walter are gone. You might as well relax.” His eyes twinkled, indicating his sincerity.
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